Cast contracts expire and streaming networks pass on HANNIBAL

It was just the other day I told you about Hannibal being cancelled by home network NBC, but that there was still hope it would continue elsewhere. Turns out I might have been a tad optimistic as the odds are stacking up against the show finding a new home, and that its currently-airing third season might indeed be its last.

First up Deadline are reporting that the contracts have expired for the show’s leads – Hugh Dancy (Will Graham) and Mads Mikkelsen (Dr. Hannibal Lecter), and that production company Gaumont International Television have opted out of extending them.

While both have indicated they enjoy working on the show and would be willing to return, renegotiating contracts adds a new wrinkle – plus Mads seems to have a new career working as an extra in Rihanna music videos (Warning: REALLYNSFW). Also, Laurence Fishburne (Jack Crawford) has already moved on to star in a remake of the classic TV series Roots – but *minor spoiler* he might have got better! *end spoiler*

Secondly (as per Coming Soon) show runner Bryan Fuller tweeted out yesterday that streaming networks Amazon and Netflix have passed on picking up the show. Amazon also has the exclusive rights to streaming the show, which would certainly would’ve complicated things for Netflix if they had been interested.

There’s no need to shout, we’re upset too.

Thirdly you might also recall we’ve mentioneda fewtimes that Bryan Fuller himself is working on the upcoming TV series adaption of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods as well, so he’s fairly busy at the moment too. And as Fuller told Deadline previously a potential Hannibal season 4 would need to wait for him to become available:

The question would be for the potential new distribution partner is how comfortable they are in waiting. Because I do have an obligation to American Gods and a passion for American Gods, so I absolutely want to service that in the way that it needs to be serviced.

All in all it’s not looking very promising and I, for one, am rather disappointed. Fuller’s previously mentioned we’re only half way through the planned six seasons of the show so I hope with the early cancellation we can get a satisfying conclusion and not end the series on a complete cliffhanger. One thing’s for certain though, the last supper will be a killer.

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